Isaiah 43:14

¶ Thus saith the LORD, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry [is] in the ships.

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, your redeemer {H1350}, the Holy One {H6918} of Israel {H3478}; For your sake I have sent {H7971} to Babylon {H894}, and have brought down {H3381} all their nobles {H1281}, and the Chaldeans {H3778}, whose cry {H7440} is in the ships {H591}.

Here is what ADONAI, your redeemer, the Holy One of Isra'el, says: "For your sake I have sent [an army] to Bavel and knocked down the fleeing Kasdim, all of them; their songs of triumph are now lamentations.

Thus says the LORD your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “For your sake, I will send to Babylon and bring them all as fugitives, even the Chaldeans, in the ships in which they rejoice.

Thus saith Jehovah, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and I will bring down all of them as fugitives, even the Chaldeans, in the ships of their rejoicing.

Context

Isaiah 43:14 is situated within the "Book of Comfort" (chapters 40-55) in the prophetic book of Isaiah. This section primarily addresses the Jewish exiles in Babylon, offering them words of hope, assurance, and future deliverance. Following declarations of God's unmatched power and His unique identity as the only true God, this verse specifically foretells His decisive intervention against Babylon, the very empire holding Israel captive. It sets the stage for their promised return to their homeland, demonstrating God's sovereignty over nations and history.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Power: The verse powerfully declares the LORD's absolute control over world events. He is the one who "sends to Babylon" and "brings down" its power, demonstrating His ability to orchestrate the rise and fall of empires for His divine purposes.
  • God as Redeemer: God identifies Himself explicitly as "your redeemer," emphasizing His active role in rescuing and delivering His people from bondage. This speaks to His covenant faithfulness and unwavering commitment to Israel.
  • Justice Against Oppression: The downfall of Babylon is presented as an act of divine justice. For the sake of His oppressed people, God will humble the proud empire that held them in captivity, reversing their fortunes.
  • Certainty of Prophecy: The phrase "Thus saith the LORD" underscores the infallible truth and certainty of God's pronouncements. What He declares will undoubtedly come to pass.

Linguistic Insights

The title "your redeemer" comes from the Hebrew word go'el (גֹּאֵל), which refers to a kinsman-redeemer. In ancient Israel, a go'el was a close relative who had the right and responsibility to protect the family's interests, avenge wrongs, redeem property, or buy back enslaved relatives. By calling Himself Israel's go'el, God highlights His intimate, covenantal relationship with His people and His commitment to act on their behalf, purchasing their freedom from exile.

The phrase "the Chaldeans, whose cry [is] in the ships" is intriguing. The Chaldeans were the dominant people group in Babylon. This imagery likely refers to Babylon's extensive mercantile wealth and its reliance on river trade (via the Euphrates) and possibly sea trade. The "cry in the ships" could signify the lament of fleeing merchants, the destruction of their commercial fleets, or the general outcry of a city in distress as its economic lifeblood is cut off and its inhabitants attempt to escape.

Practical Application

Isaiah 43:14 offers profound comfort and assurance for believers today. Just as God intervened for ancient Israel, He remains our Redeemer, actively involved in our lives and circumstances. When we face overwhelming challenges or feel held captive by difficult situations, this verse reminds us that God is sovereign over all powers and circumstances. He works for the sake of His people, and His promises of deliverance and justice are steadfast. We can trust that He will bring down whatever opposes His will and ultimately bring us to a place of freedom and peace, underscoring His unwavering commitment to His people.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 44:6

    Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I [am] the first, and I [am] the last; and beside me [there is] no God.

  • Isaiah 23:13

    Behold the land of the Chaldeans; this people was not, [till] the Assyrian founded it for them that dwell in the wilderness: they set up the towers thereof, they raised up the palaces thereof; [and] he brought it to ruin.

  • Jeremiah 51:24

    And I will render unto Babylon and to all the inhabitants of Chaldea all their evil that they have done in Zion in your sight, saith the LORD.

  • Ezekiel 27:29

    And all that handle the oar, the mariners, [and] all the pilots of the sea, shall come down from their ships, they shall stand upon the land;

  • Ezekiel 27:36

    The merchants among the people shall hiss at thee; thou shalt be a terror, and never [shalt be] any more.

  • Isaiah 43:1

    ¶ But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called [thee] by thy name; thou [art] mine.

  • Jeremiah 50:17

    Israel [is] a scattered sheep; the lions have driven [him] away: first the king of Assyria hath devoured him; and last this Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon hath broken his bones.

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